With production for the Common Rail Diesel (CRD) Liberty to begin this month, we thought we'd recap some of the reviews coming in so far.

AllPar.com has the most extensive review that we've seen so far, including numerous photos. The review is fairly positive, with the main complaint stemming from cold-weather starts - a known weakness of diesel engines.

Autobytel.com also has a mostly positive review - they note that the Liberty is noisier than the gasoline version. DaimlerChrylser has added several noise dampening features to the CRD Liberty to help out in this area.

Automobile Magainze's review was one of the more negative ones that we came across, the reviewer notes that the amount of horsepower is a bit low and the interior looks like "a Toys "R" Us special.".

2005 Grand Cherokee Review

Autoblog is taking the 2005 Grand Cherokee for a week-long spin - here's a snippet from day 1:

Immediately you realize you’re in a much larger vehicle.

Sure five inches might not seem like much but the hood definitely seems bulkier as it stretches out before your eyes. Maybe it needs to be that big to fit the optional 5.7 liter Hemi engine. Our tester comes with the Hemi but there is no Hemi badging on the exterior of the vehicle. There’s a “5.7 Liter” a “Limited” and the “Trail Rated” badges but no Hemi. I had to open the hood just to double check and there in big print was the word Hemi.

The other reason I had to open the hood to check was because the SUV sure didn’t make me feel like I had 325 horses at my command. At low speeds the transmission searches for the next gear, displays little torque and a sense of power only comes at higher speeds.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Transpower

The blog is getting a bit better each day. But, seriously, there are much better reviews out there, like the one in Consumer Guide and the one in the January/February Truck Trend.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jeeper

Autoblog Day 3 says they averaged 7.9 mpg with the 5.7 that comes with mds... isnt there something wrong with that figure?

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: SOUTH AFRICA

here is my comment

Welcome Jon, it was said with respect.. but, I am surpised by the intense hatered in some of the remarks. Such should not be between developed people, not in USA not in Africa.

COMPETATIVE SPORT YES.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Joe

Let's just wait for the absolutely dreadful 2005 Grand Cherokee sale numbers to become official.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: my comment

Its ok, sometimes we get reactions that lack the level of maturity and understanding that should be common with all Jeepers. This site is for expressing viewpoints, sometimes people don't respect that.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

Thanks for compliment South Africa..... I think?

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Bugger

Put a diesel option on the wrangler.....heck all lines should have it as an option......

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

He ran himself off.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Only in a Jeep

- O.O.J.

Do you just sit here and monitor the reactions all day long? For someone who feels so strongly about Jeep, you spend an awefully lot of time not out enjoying yours. Its just a review... relax and take a break from the computer... maybe go out and take one of these vehicles you cut up so much for a test drive, make an argument based on facts, then come back and tell us what you think.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: RUBICONTRAIL.NET

While there have already been quite a few assorted comments about the interior, I am little curious about AutoBlog's complaints about power.

To me, 330hp and 370 lb-ft and the ability to outrun an Audi TT or BMW 3-series doesn't point to a lack in power.

Unless of course automotive journalists have tired of comparing truck-based SUVs to sports coupes and are now going to start comparing SUVs to F1 race cars.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOneJeep

I disagree somewhat with the prior post. I believe both reviews are HONEST...that being due to both Liberty and '05 GC being PATHETIC vehicles-that simple.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Kim DeVormer

Finally, a practical application for a DIESEL engine in something besides a big truck or small car. Hopefully, this will help the Liberty stand a little taller in the ranks of SUVs. Unfortunately, I still would not own one since Diamler decided to offer the package with only a wimpy auto trans. Maybe when they decide to make it a real Jeep with a manual trans, I may be interested.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: XJameson

all lines should have a diesel AND rubicon option. if the GC had a rubicon edition (upcountry suspension, some more ground protection and lockers) I would be all over that in a minute. also, anybody know why they killed select-trac? best 4wd EVER

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jeep Fan

Somewhat due to the inclusion of IFS, Jeeps are becoming "porkers". The Liberty gained about 1000 lbs over the Cherokee it replaced, and the GC has gained about 500 lbs. More weight means more gas.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

That figure sounds about right if you go around town flooring your Hemi everytime you accelerate.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: SOUTH AFRICA

here is my comment:

Manne don't fight. I have never been out of Africa, I have never met an American but, I have seen movies from Hollywood Jhon Wayne and also Clint Eastwood (2 of each).

People I met told me about the American people. I was told that in America everything is bigger and better because the people are more developed than elsewhere aparantly not only Technology wise but also mentally as people that is people who cares people looking out for each other.

Are Jeep lovers different and what does all these **** thigs mean?

Hi manne we have to live and let live is that not one of your corner stones with other being freedom of speach?

Cheers

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jeeper

A review that seems to be written at the elementary level... geez, to start off by bashing the fact that it doesnt say hemi on the Jeep?? Any one current in the modern automotive world knows a magnum 5.7 is a hemi!! To reiterate what was said at the beginning, a pathetic review!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: WK

"I’ve been driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee... and it is a decent hauler even with its base V6 engine"

Sound like the type of person that never opens the hood.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Carter

I hope you didn't run off O.O.J.

He's on the extreme end of the point of view that I agree with.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jeep Fan

Let us move on from the profanity, derisive comments, and get back to topic.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

When someone can only respond by using insults and profanity they loose any credibilty they may have had.Bottom line is the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Liberty are all best in their class. If you want a XJ Cherokee there are still plenty of nice used ones out there and will be for quite some time.Soccer moms can buy all the Jeeps they want, I don't care. If the Commander is too big for some it will be the perfect vehicle for others.If the Scout is an entry level SUV that will expand the Jeep brand but they still build an entry level Wrangler then who cares.Jeep just needs to sell lots so they have the resources to design new Jeeps and new versions and variations.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Only in a Jeep

- O.O.J.

So you're already a step ahead of me. When people speak their mind about the future of Jeep, positively or negatively, thats ok... their opinions usually have some kind of backup statement. But when you claim to be "all-knowing" when it comes to whats best for Jeep and say its as simple as the KJ and WK being pathetic, which is pretty much all I hear from you about anything, I want to hear why you think that, not a barrage of random "asterisk" insults.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jeep Fan

Reviews are always somewhat subjective, and these are no exception. But, they are reasonably accurate: the GC is focused on the urban automobile driver who wants luxury, automatic everything, lots of power, can afford the subsequent high fuel bills, and could probably care less about off-road ability; the diesel Liberty is more focused towards utility. This seems to be a good refocusing of the Liberty back towards a more functional SUV. If DC ever decides to treat the north american market in the same manner as it does the remainder of the world, then we will also see a slick six speed manual with the crd and that should really wakeup the diesel. We can only dream of the six speed and crd in a wrangler.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOne REAL Jeep

on that note...I'm outa here...bunch of sissy jeep owners...('cept for a couple)....don't forget to apply your makeup...and set your hair 'jes so before you take your jeep out to the mall.....

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOneJeep

Sorry, I maust have pissed off the Hall Monitor......F*** off! I DO enjoy my YJ and ZJ and have DRIVEN KJ and The new '05 GC....so unless you're living in a country that's NOT America..I suggest you "scroll down" if you don't like my posts...F***in Jack***!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Transpower

A pathetic review. The best to date is the one that was in Car and Driver a few months ago. Also, the article in Consumer Review is worth reading, as are most of their car articles. I'm still waiting for Consumer Reports for their review, although I don't give much credence to theirs reviews anymore. There was a review of the JGC in the Wall Street Journal not too long ago which was OK.